Support the home teams on Super Sunday

Don't bother looking for Saint Arnold Brewing Co. ads during the Super Bowl. But the Houston craft brewery is inviting you down to the brewery, 2000 Lyons Ave., this week to pick up a free static cling that you can place in the upper corner of your television set during the game. (Saint Arnold photo)

Houston may not be in the Super Bowl, but you can support home-team beers during the big game.

While chances are that the Bud Light on the store shelves was brewed at the Anheuser-Busch InBev plant in east Houston, the growing number of Houston-area craft breweries means consumers have more choices for a flavorful beer that’s locally owned as well.

A few tips for anyone who wants to punt on Bud, Miller and Coors this year:

Watch the ABV: A beer’s potency is measured in alcohol by volume. Bud Light weighs in at 4.2 percent, lower than most craft beers on the market. If you plan to have more than one or two during the game, avoid any beer with the word “imperial” or “double” in its name. If in doubt, check the label or ask someone at the store or behind
the bar for recommendations.

Snag a six-pack: Two local breweries currently package their beers. For game time, consider Saint Arnold Fancy Lawnmower (4.9 percent ABV) or Bombshell Blonde (5.25 percent ABV) from Conroe’s Southern Star Brewing Co. You may never go back to mainstream beer.

These are delicious beers, but — again — remember that they are stronger than Budweiser products. (Well, not necessarily, now that 6 percent ABV Bud Light Platinum is in the marketplace.) Pace yourself accordingly.

Grab a growler: Glass jugs filled with draft beer are great for parties. They’re fun and your guests may not have seen them before.

The Whole Foods in Montrose has a good selection at good prices, and the taps change frequently. That means the beer is fresh, though you might not always get the choice you were hoping for.

Choose your bar wisely: If you are planning to watch the game at a bar, call ahead to see if they carry anything by Karbach, No Label or the brand-new Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co. — three local craft breweries that weren’t on tap during the last Super Bowl.

Don’t look for any of these brews at the store yet, since all three currently offer their beers on draft only.

Good game-time options include Karbach Weisse Versa or Sympathy for the Lager; No Label El Hefe or Ridgeback amber; or the brand-new Buffalo Bayou’s 1836. If you promise to stop at one or two, try Karbach’s Hopadillo India pale ale.